Rivalry Continues at 2012 Iron Bowl

Thanksgiving week in Alabama is about more than turkey, dressing and spending time with family. Cheers will ring throughout Birmingham new homes, as friends and family come together to celebrate the annual Iron Bowl. The inter-state game between Alabama (10-1) and Auburn (3-8) has been an annual tradition since 1893, and even though Auburn is the definite underdog this year, this game is fueled by rivalry.

Alabama goes into this year’s game leading the series 41-34-1, but after a 42-14 loss last year and a disappointing 2012 season, Auburn comes into the game with a lot of desire to upset their state rivals. When it comes to rivalries, this is one of the best and the tradition of this game leads to an exciting show, no matter who wins or loses.

This rivalry has gotten just as heated off the field as on, with series suspension and government interference. In 1907 the series was suspended when the schools could not agree on the amount of expenses to be paid players, as well as were the game’s officials should be obtained. In 1947, Alabama Congress intervened and threatened to pull state funding if the two schools did not resume the annual game, so in 1948 the series continued and games were played at Legion Field in Birmingham due to its size.

It wasn’t until 1980 that this game became known as the Iron Bowl, due to Birmingham’s prominence as a center of iron and steel production. As both Auburn and Alabama made expansions to their football stadiums, the games eventually moved from Legion Field to be played at Auburn in odd years and at Alabama in even years. The winner of the game wins the Foy-ODK Sportsmanship Award which is named after James E. Foy, an Alabama graduate and former Auburn Dean of Students and Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society.

This year, Alabama will have home field advantage playing Auburn in Tuscaloosa at Bryant-Denny Stadium. For those watching from home, kick-off is scheduled at 2:30 and the game will be broadcast on CBS.

Whether you root for the Crimson Tide or the Tigers, this Birmingham home builder has the perfect home for you and your family to cheer on your favorite team. For more information, visit the Harris Doyle website today!